Munster Express Online

It is with deep regret that we record the passing of the highly regarded Waterford soccer writer, Leo Dunne. Aged 87, Leo passed away at Waterford Regional Hospital following a short illness. His remains were removed from WRH last night (Tuesday) to St John’s Church, Parnell Street, and Requiem Mass was celebrated today (Wednesday) after which interment took place at St Otteran’s Cemetery, Ballinaneesagh.

Predeceased by his wife, Martha, in 2004, Leo is survived by his children, Liam, Catherine (both living in England), Liz, Miriam and Paul, all of Waterford and nine grandchildren.

Rightfully regarded and respected as the doyen of soccer writers in Waterford, Leo began writing for The Munster Express but spent most of his journalistic career with The Waterford News and Star, the Irish (Cork) Examiner and The Irish Mirror. He enjoyed a national reputation for his incisive and knowledgeable reports and was inducted into the FAI Hall of Fame for Soccer Writers in 2004. He was employed in the Snowcream division of Waterford Foods for many years.

Beloved Bohs

Leo was a founder member of his beloved Waterford Bohemians in 1941 with Paddy Kennedy, Christy O’Regan and Willie O’Mahony. The club had no jerseys for their first match but Leo managed to borrow a set of gear from Waterpark Rugby Club and ever after Bohemians, a club that was to become one of the most famous in the country, continued to use the red and black of Waterpark as their club colours.

Leo had an encyclopedic knowledge of soccer, especially junior football in Waterford, and was the first Hon Secretary of the Waterford and District League. He was always most generous and gracious with his knowledge and many journalists, including this writer, often had reason to be grateful for his kindness, his advice and generosity of spirit.

Leo, as they say in Ballybricken, ‘loved a bit of heat’ and, in his retirement, he spent many happy days in Puerto Rico in Gran Canaria but he remained in constant touch with home and up to date with the weekly results of all the games.

The FAI’s Chief Executive, John Delaney, said: “I am deeply saddened at the sudden loss of one of Irish football’s greatest servants. There is no doubt that his passing has left many mourning in many walks of life and I extend my deepest sympathy to all of the Dunne family. Leo was one the game’s finest gentlemen and his contribution to Irish football throughout the years as a key administrator and journalist is immeasurable.”